"Arno was the most talented artist of the Armenian reality of the second half of the 20th century as God gifted him greatest genius." - Khoren Abrahamian
Who he was
Arno Babajanian was a composer whose melodies enchanted listeners and whose work made him one of the best known composers in the Soviet Union following World War II.
Born in Yerevan, he was the most famous musician native to Soviet Armenia and his music carried noticeable traces of his origins. Though Babajanian was not prolific in the writing of new music, his few compositions left no question about his talent. He was especially gifted at playing the piano, the instrument with which he is most often associated. He also taught at the Yerevan State Conservatory. Dmitri Shostakovich called him a "brilliant piano teacher."
Babajanian was awarded the honor of People’s Artist of the USSR, the highest award for artists in the country, as well as several other accolades.
Interesting fact
The Arno Babajanian statue in Yerevan was so controversial that it was taken down to be modified by the sculptor before reappearing.
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